Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
ICEJ Australia would like to extend its warmest wishes to the Jewish community ahead of Hanukkah. May the Festival of Lights bring you joy, peace, and a blessed time with family and loved ones. As the Hannukiah is lit during the eight days of Hanukkah, we remind the Jewish people that they do not stand alone, despite the continuing challenge of antisemitism in this nation.
The story of Hanukkah reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the resilience of the Jewish people, no matter what obstacles they face. When a pagan empire sought to suppress Jewish identity and practice, the Jewish people stood firm and ultimately prevailed. Today, as similar forces seek to target the Jewish people, Hanukkah serves as a reminder that they will endure, for “He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a courageous group of Jewish rebels, the Maccabees, who resisted the Seleucid Empire under Antiochus IV Epiphanes after he outlawed Jewish practices, including circumcision and Sabbath observance, and desecrated the Temple. The Maccabees demonstrated remarkable courage in upholding their values rather than compromising – a lesson for Christians today as their own values increasingly come under pressure.
Miraculously, when the Temple was rededicated following the Maccabees’ victory, there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one day, yet the flame burned for eight days. This is why Jewish families light the hanukkiah for eight nights each year, celebrating with loved ones, enjoying delicious treats such as sufganiyot (deep fried jelly donuts), and playing the famous dreidel game.
The event also holds significance for Christians. John 10:22-23 records Jesus in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (another name for Hanukkah), implying he celebrated the festival. And indeed, had the Jewish people not preserved their faith and identity through the Hanukkah events, the course of history would have fundamentally been altered, preventing the birth of Jesus. The Maccabees’ stand ensured the survival of Judaism, paving the way for the Jewish Messiah. Without Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas.
Ultimately, Hanukkah is one miraculous chapter in a larger story repeated throughout history: when gentile powers seek to erase Jewish identity, the Jewish people endure, but those nations that come against them perish. Nations and movements that come against Israel today would do well to reflect on this enduring truth.
Learn More About How Hanukkah Saved Christmas
Merry Christmas
We would also like to extend our warmest wishes to our Christian friends for a very merry Christmas. May your festive season be filled with joy, peace and a blessed time with loves ones.
Christians around the world will celebrate the birth of this promised Jewish king, born over 2000 years in Bethlehem, and yet remarkably, some would claim there was no Jewish connection to the land of Israel prior to 1948. Even worse, some would deny Jesus’ own Jewish heritage.
Christmas was a very Jewish story, marking the birth of Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. Those who were part of the story – from the Magi to Jesus’ mother Mary – envisioned Jesus’ birth as the arrival of the one who would restore the kingdom to Israel (e.g. Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 1:54-55, 68-69; 2:38). That continues to be the blessed hope of Israel and the whole world.
Learn More More About The Jewish Roots Of Christmas And The Jewishness Of Jesus
Sydney Hanukkah Event
In 5 days time! Book now to stand in solidarity to the Jewish community,
we know you will be blessed.
We can't wait to see you there!
Prayerfully consider joining Pastors and Christian leaders from Asia Pacific for the dynamic, ICEJ ENVISION LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, in Batam, Indonesia.
Held under the timely theme: “Israel and Your Church.” On 27th -29th April 2026.
Prayer Over Christmas
As we enter the holiday season, we will be taking our annual prayer break. The Australia Prayer Watch will be having the last prayer session of 2025 on December 15th from 4-5pm (AEDT), and re-starting in 2026 on the January 12th from 10-11am (AEDT).
This is a special time to pause, rest, and celebrate the Christmas and Hanukkah season as we prepare our hearts for what the Lord has ahead in the new year. Thank you again for standing with us and for the vital role you play in this global chain of prayer. We pray this season fills you and your families with His peace, joy, and renewed strength.
Office Closure
For the holiday period, our phone and email will only be checked intermittently for emergency requests, as our office will be closed from the: 23rd of December 2025 until the 15th of January 2026.
If you wish to make a donation, we encourage you to view your options via our website, or by clicking on the donate button below:
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to assisting you upon our return.
Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
